Armenia

Mine Detection Dog Program

MLI was first asked to assist Armenia’s demining efforts in 2003 by donating life-saving mine detection dogs and providing the training needed to incorporate the dogs safely and effectively into Armenia’s indigenous demining operations. MLI responded by donating 12 MDDs in 2003 and 2004, and while these dogs have now retired, they did excellent work while they were active, searching 1,606,645 square meters of land. Each of the dogs retired to live with their handler after working between 6-8 years.

In 2015, MLI was approached by the U.S. Department of State and was asked to donate an additional six mine detection dogs to Armenia. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of our private donors and matching funding received from the U.S. Dept. of State, MLI has covered the sponsorship of five of these life-saving dogs, but is still seeking support to cover the costs of training and caring for one dog, MDD Gizmo. All six MDDs are now completing the final stages of their rigorous training in Armenia and will soon begin “sniffing out” landmines in Armenia.